Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Jan 18: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has once again underscored the importance of travelling with a valid ticket, warning passengers that fines will be strictly enforced. Despite repeated advisories, many commuters continue to board buses without tickets, prompting staff to take stringent action.

In December 2025 alone, KSRTC collected Rs 8,08,704 in fines from passengers travelling without tickets, a significant increase from April 2025, when fines totalled only a few thousand rupees.

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During December inspections, 43,553 vehicles were checked. Officials reported 4,207 cases of theft on buses and 4,353 instances of ticketless travel, resulting in fines totalling Rs 8,08,704. The checks also revealed revenue leakage of Rs 1,14,500. To curb such losses, KSRRTC has introduced additional measures and urged passengers to always purchase a valid ticket or pass.

Authorities recalled that during April 2025 inspections of 43,244 buses, 3,882 theft cases valued at Rs 97,576 were detected, and 3,780 ticketless passengers were fined Rs 7,32,495. Disciplinary action was also taken against KSRRTC staff implicated in these incidents.

KSRRTC officials emphasised, “To prevent further losses and ensure smooth operations, it is mandatory for all passengers to obtain a ticket or pass when travelling on state transport buses.”